The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) is a Native-led, 501 (c) 3 philanthropic organization dedicated exclusively to the perpetuation of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian arts and cultures nationwide.

The arts have always played a significant role in Native cultures, and are a powerful path for connecting one generation to the next. Thanks to the generous support of our founding funders, we were able to launch this important new organization. Thanks to ongoing donations, we’re able to carry out our mission to provide support to artists and organizations to help our cultures flourish. We look forward to fostering opportunities that help create positive social change in communities across the nation.–T. Lulani Arquette, President/CEO

We are forever grateful to the Native nations and tribes, foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who have so generously enabled the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation to provide the following assistance as of July 31, 2016:

$0

Total program support

0

Native artists and organizations

0

Different states and the District of Columbia

In 2008, the new foundation was created by a founding Board of Directors.

Attendees at an artist training session, February 2014

In 2010, the foundation began grantmaking, awarding $394,000 to 26 individuals and organizations. In 2011, the foundation increased its support to the field, awarding $510,000 to 28 artists and organizations.

That same year, NACF hosted the first national Native arts convening, “Strengthening the Bones.” The gathering brought over 100 participants–hailing from 25 different states and representing dozens of Native Nations–together to vision what is needed by Native communities through their artists and arts organizations. Participating organizations represented a cross section of those who share a common interest in supporting indigenous cultures, including Native and other arts services organizations, cultural centers, museums, artists and artist collectives, foundation and government funding agencies.

Our Values

COURAGE

GENEROSITY

CREATIVITY

RESPECT

COMMITMENT

COURAGE

We owe it to future generations to break through all barriers that limit our potential and forge new frontiers with a courageous spirit.

GENEROSITY

Giving to those who genuinely express a part of themselves through the arts and expand deeper appreciation for Native cultures is at the core of our philanthropy.

CREATIVITY

Trusting our intuition and connection to the Creator helps us bring forth our fullest imagination, inspiration and effort. We strive to always be in the process of creation, for this is where our greatest achievements happen.

RESPECT

We encourage an environment of respect for difference, the humanity of others, and diverse arts and cultures, and we nurture all life forms while in the course of our daily lives and working with others.

COMMITMENT

We are committed to the long journey, seeing beyond what we need right now and following through with patience, perseverance and passion. Our collective responsibility is to honor the wisdom and knowledge of seven generations back and the evolvement and enlightenment of seven generations ahead.

2014 NACF Literature Fellow David Treuer (Ojibwe) was able to travel and offer author talks. Photo courtesy of the Center of the American West, by Honey Lindburg.